Tetanus Vaccine

Composition (per 0.5 mL dose)

• Tetanus Toxoid (adsorbed on aluminium phosphate/aluminium hydroxide gel): Equivalent to at least 40 IU

• Aluminium phosphate / hydroxide (as adjuvant): Helps boost immune response

• Preservatives (e.g., thiomersal or 2-phenoxyethanol depending on batch)

(Exact composition may vary slightly depending on manufacturer batch – but this is the standard for AbhayTOX.)

Indications (Uses)

• Provides active immunization against tetanus.

• Given for:

  • Routine childhood immunization schedule (as DTP/DTaP or standalone booster)

  • Wound management (to prevent tetanus in case of injury, cuts, or burns)

  • Booster doses every 10 years for continued protection

Dosage & Schedule

• Primary immunization: Usually given as part of DTP vaccine in infants at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age.

• Booster doses:

  • 1st booster at 16–24 months

  • 2nd booster at 4–6 years

  • Further boosters every 10 years in adulthood

• Wound prophylaxis: Single 0.5 mL dose if last vaccination was >5 years ago

(Exact schedule may vary as per Indian National Immunization Schedule and WHO guidelines.)

Side Effects

Mild (common):

• Pain, redness, swelling at injection site

• Low-grade fever

• Irritability, fatigue

Rare (serious):

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

• Neurological complications (extremely rare)

Precautions & Warnings

• Should be given only by a healthcare professional

• Intramuscular injection – usually in anterolateral thigh (infants) or deltoid muscle (adults)

• Avoid use in patients with:

  • Severe allergic reaction to previous tetanus vaccine

  • Severe acute illness with high fever (postpone until recovery)

• Keep Adrenaline injection ready for rare anaphylactic reactions

Storage

• Store at +2°C to +8°C (refrigerated, not frozen)

• Protect from light

• Keep out of reach of children